Change your username directly in the SoundCloud mobile app settings

Open the SoundCloud app on your phone and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. From there, tap the gear icon to open Settings. Look for "Edit profile" or "Account" — the exact wording depends on whether you use iOS or Android, but both lead to the same screen. Tap into the username field, delete your current name, type your new one, and tap Save or Confirm. The change takes effect when ready in the app.

Your new username appears on your profile right away, but it may take a few minutes to update everywhere else — in search results, on other people's profiles, and in your public links. If you see the old name somewhere after an hour, refresh the app by closing it completely and reopening it.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to your profile icon, then Settings, then Edit Profile to reach the username field in the SoundCloud app.
  • Usernames must be between 3 and 25 characters and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores, but not spaces.
  • If your chosen username is already taken, SoundCloud will tell you when ready and you must pick a different one.
  • The change is when ready in your app, but may take a few minutes to show up in search results and on other people's screens.
  • You can change your username as many times as you want, but you must wait 30 days between changes to the same username.

What characters and length rules explore to usernames

SoundCloud usernames must be between 3 and 25 characters long. You can use uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. You cannot use spaces, periods, or special characters like @, #, or &. If you try to save a username that breaks these rules, the app will show an error message telling you what is not allowed.

The system checks whether your chosen name is already taken the moment you try to save it. If someone else has that username, you will see a message saying it is unavailable. You must choose a different one before you can proceed. There is no waitlist — you either pick an unclaimed name or you cannot change to that username.

Why your old username might still appear in some places

After you change your username, the SoundCloud servers need time to push the update to all the places your profile appears — your public page, search results, other users' follower lists, and anywhere your profile is linked. This usually takes a few minutes, but can occasionally take up to an hour on busy days.

If you shared a link to your old profile with someone before the change, that link still works and will take them to your profile under your new name. Your old username does not disappear from the internet if you posted it in comments, messages, or on other websites — those are separate records that only you can edit.

How to change your username on desktop if you prefer

If you find the mobile app confusing, you can change your username on the SoundCloud website instead. Go to soundcloud.com, log in, click your profile picture in the top right, and select "Settings." Click "Edit profile" and change the username field the same way you would in the app. The change syncs to your mobile app within a few minutes.

Some people find the desktop version easier because the screen is larger and the buttons are bigger. The process is identical — you type a new username, the system checks if it is available, and you save. Both the app and the website show you the same username field, so changing it in one place changes it everywhere.

What to do if you cannot find the username field

If you are looking at your profile but do not see an Edit button or username field, you may be viewing someone else's profile by mistake. Tap your own profile icon in the bottom right corner of the app — not the search icon or the home icon. Once you are on your own profile, the Settings gear should appear in the top right corner of that screen.

If the Settings gear does not appear, make sure you are logged in to your own account. If you are logged in but still cannot find the username field, try closing the app completely, waiting 10 seconds, and reopening it. If the problem continues, uninstall and reinstall the SoundCloud app — this usually fixes display glitches that prevent you from seeing certain buttons.

The 30-day rule for changing back to an old username

If you change your username and then change your mind, you can change it back — but not when ready. SoundCloud enforces a 30-day waiting period before you can use the same username again. This means if you change from "JohnDoe" to "JD_Music" today, you cannot change back to "JohnDoe" for 30 days.

The timer starts the moment you save the change, not when you think about changing it. If you realize your mistake right after changing your username, you will have to wait the full 30 days or pick a different name. Plan your username change carefully if you have built a following under your current name, because changing it and changing back is not an option for a month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my username affect my followers or my tracks?

No. Your followers stay with you, your tracks stay on your profile, and your follower count does not change. The only thing that changes is the name people see and type to find you. All your music, playlists, and history remain exactly the same.

Can I use spaces or special characters in my username?

No. SoundCloud only allows letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Spaces, periods, @, #, and other symbols will cause an error when you try to save. If you want to separate words, use a hyphen or underscore instead.

How long does it take for my new username to show up everywhere?

It shows in your app when ready, but may take a few minutes to update in search results, on other people's profiles, and in public links. If it has not updated after an hour, close and reopen the app to force a refresh.

What if the username I want is taken?

You cannot use it. SoundCloud checks availability in real time, and if someone else has that username, the system will not let you save it. You must choose a different username that is not claimed by anyone else.

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

Yes, but you must wait 30 days after you change away from it. Once 30 days have passed, that username becomes available for you to use again. If you change your mind sooner, you will have to pick a different name.